Favorite Teams

Gun owners toured the Oregon state Capitol on Feb. 8, 2013, after participating in a gun-rights rally outside. They were allowed to carry their rifles inside if they possessed a concealed handgun license. A Senate panel on Wednesday will consider whether to require background checks on most private gun purchases.
(Michael Lloyd/The Oregonian)

SALEM -- It's deadline day in the Oregon Legislature, and controversial bills on background checks for gun purchases, marijuana legalization, state liquor laws and many other issues could advance out of committees -- or die.

Thursday is the deadline for bills to pass out of committees in their original chamber -- House bills must advance out of House committees and likewise on the Senate side. The deadline doesn't apply to a few select committees, meaning lawmakers can use procedural moves to keep some legislation alive.

Liquor: At 3 p.m., the Senate Business and
Transportation Committee is scheduled to vote on Senate Bill 1559 to either
change state liquor laws to allow sales in big grocery chains, or to assign a
task force to study the issue.

Mascots: Senate Bill 1509 would allow schools who meet certain criteria to retain Native American mascots despite a statewide ban. The bill is scheduled for a possible work session in the Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee.

Related Stories

Where are the medical marijuana dispensaries?

Starbucks are about as common

Laws and lawmakers

Only at OregonLive: Here's where to track bills, find your lawmakers in Salem and D.C., and see information on Oregon's registered lobbyists. NEW: Legislators' financial/conflict-of-interest disclosures.